As a shepherd, I’m passionate about natural fibers, which isn’t surprising. I love that I can turn sunlight and grass into wool that keeps me warm. I love the way all natural fibers feel in my spinner’s hands, but there is also the long, circuitous history of giants such as cotton, flax, mohair, and wool to keep me constantly learning. The deep roots of these fibers are tangled up with our human history.
This winter, our natural-fibers issue focuses on the roots of our beloved fibers, and we hope you will share your work with Spin Off readers! Have you taken a deep dive into the origins of a landrace sheep breed? Are you researching the colorful cottons of Mesoamerica? What kinds of textiles were (and are) made using suri alpaca? And how do you know a good suri when you see one?
How was the remarkably fine flax available in the past grown and processed? Why flax and not nettle? Do you want to share a method for creating strong, vibrant colors with natural dyes on cotton or linen? There is so much to explore.
Fiber from the Berta’s Flax project is delightful not only for its provenance but for its quality. Photo by Kate Larson
We are also looking for projects that make the best use of natural fibers. Do you have a cozy winter hat pattern that makes use of the many shades of Shetland wools? Do you have a design for a spindle bag created using only tools and fibers available to spinners in ancient times? Maybe you are inspired by the colors of wild silk and want to design a shawl so you can wrap up in glorious color.
Join us in the Winter issue of Spin Off as we celebrate the roots of natural fibers. We want to hear from you!
—Kate Larson, editor
Share your article and project proposals for the Roots issue of Spin Off!
Submissions due: February 20, 2023
Spindle Whorl (1962.134) 700s - 900s. Iran, early Islamic period, eighth to tenth century. Bone, incised; overall: 0.8 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm. Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
We are looking for:
- Feature articles—stories, profiles, history.
- Handspun projects—instructions using knitting, weaving, crochet, or other techniques with handspun yarn.
- How-to articles—tell us how it is done.
- Web content—if you have an idea for a shorter piece, about 300 to 500 words, please submit your proposal to us.
Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.
Use our convenient online submissions form to send us your article and project proposals and attach photos and sketches, too. Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.
Do you want to be added to the Spin Off Call for Submissions email list? Sign up here.
Forms and information:
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Online Submissions Form Spin Off Winter 2024
Submissions due: February 20, 2023
We will notify you of our decision: April 2023
Articles and projects due: June 5, 2023
Do you want to be added to the Spin Off Call for Submissions email list? Sign up here.